President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the Criminal Court and Drug Court at the newly developed Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s judicial infrastructure.
The relocation of both courts from Malé to the new facility addresses critical space limitations that have long plagued the judiciary. These constraints have frequently led to delays in proceedings, postponed hearings, and prolonged verdict delivery – issues that the administration has prioritized resolving.
As an interim measure before the construction of the new Superior Court Complex in Hulhumalé, the Justice Building Annex was established to house the Criminal Court and the Drug Court. Developed under the oversight of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the annex includes ten courtrooms for the Criminal Court, five for the Drug Court, 17 judges’ chambers, and dedicated workspaces for defence attorneys and public prosecutors.
President Muizzu, in his address at the ceremony, reiterated the government’s commitment to justice sector reform. He emphasized that the Superior Court Complex project will commence this year and, until its completion, the annex will serve as a fully functional facility, with all necessary arrangements finalized to ensure smooth operations by August 2025.
He also highlighted the broader implications of the initiative, expressing hope that it would facilitate the resolution of previously unreported cases and enable justice for individuals held in prolonged pre-trial detention. “This facility represents not just an expansion of physical space, but a step toward delivering justice more effectively and fairly,” President Muizzu stated.
The inauguration ceremony included the ceremonial hoisting of the national and judicial flags and the presentation of a commemorative plaque to President Muizzu in recognition of his ongoing support for judicial strengthening. The event was attended by senior government officials and members of the judiciary.